The Monkey's Paw

Jacobs confronted a world that was shaped by industrialization and modernization. The story, written in 1902, hints at these changes. Mr. White’s complaint about the house’s remoteness illustrates that it is largely untouched by the modern world. The family lovingly plays chess and knits close to a fire, which shows a domestic world of peace and contentment.

Sergeant-Major Morris crosses the threshold of the home with tales about the modern world. The reader never knows in detail what he means, but he mentions “wars and plagues and strange people” (13). These concepts feel far from the home of the Whites, but their mention piques Mr. White’s interest in travel and the monkey’s paw. The paw is a talisman from the outside, modern world. It would not be likely that the Whites would encounter such a paw on their own or in their geographically limited lives. Yet, Morris and his global travels—increasingly common with modernization—have allowed this object to appear in their small, domestic world.

Herbert’s job at the factory is the cause of his death—another symbol of the intrusion of the outside world into the private sphere of the family. Little information is given about the factory, but it represents industrial growth. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, young people increasingly moved away from their families and smaller communities to live in cities, seizing opportunities at industrial jobs that were hiring at high rates. Many young people realized, however, that life away from their social connections left them feeling alienated. Herbert can work a factory job while living with his parents, but he is not immune to its consequences. Herbert’s death is not an anomaly of this era. One scholar notes, “Without much in the way of safety regulation, factories of the Industrial Revolution could be horrifyingly hazardous” with the loss of limbs, exposure to dangerous chemicals, workplace fires, and of course death (Kiger, Patrick J. “7 Negative Effects of the Industrial Revolution.” History.com, 9 Nov. 2021).

When the stranger appears at the Whites, he appears ill-equipped to deliver such sensitive news. He is a nameless, well-dressed representative of Maw and Meggins. His namelessness adds to the representation of the modern world as a place where identity matters less than purpose. The stranger shares the news of the tragic death of Herbert, then says, “I am only their servant and merely obeying orders” (91). Maw and Meggins then disclaims responsibility and will not be held liable. Herbert’s death is reduced to a sum of money. The Whites would argue Herbert’s life is priceless, but in this harsh modern world, the sum of 200 pounds is given in hope of avoiding legal action.